Despite this early breakthrough, Bowie remained a cult figure for several years. Even the release of Hunky Dory, his first great album, went largely unnoticed. Bowie only lodged himself firmly in the public consciousness when he announced his bisexuality and created Ziggy Stardust in early 1972. A Martian who combined Iggy Pop’s debauchery with Lou Reed’s artistry, Ziggy was the main character in Bowie’s breakthrough album, and his public persona for eighteen months.

Bowie used his new-found popularity to move to America, and dabble with new musical directions and cocaine. Diamond Dogs and Young Americans continue to divide critics, but Station To Station found Bowie at a new creative peak, despite escalating drug use and related health issues.

This bled in to a period of critical apathy during the 1980s, as albums like Tonight and Never Let Me Down fell relatively flat. These were his Tin Machine days, and they paved the way for a renaissance of huge proportions, with albums such as Outside, Heathen and Reality reclaiming his status as number one pop star.

Radio silence then ensued for much of the 2000s, until he surprisingly released The Next Day, recorded in secret, to critical acclaim.

David Bowie passed away Jan 10, 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his last album Blackstar.